Car-coupling



(Ha Model.)

J..E. SMITH. Car Coupling.

Patented Feb-22,1881,

N, PETERS. PNDTO-LITHO UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES E. SMITH, OF WILKESBARRE, PENNSYLVANIA.

CAR-COUPLING.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 238,063, dated February 22, 1881.

ApplicationfiledJanuary 8,1881. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, JAMEs E.SMITH, of Wilkesbarre, in the county of Luzerne and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements inCar-Oouplings; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention,which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification.

This invention relates to car-couplings; and it consists in certain improvements in the construction of the same, which will be hereinafter fully described, and particularly pointed out in the claim.

In the drawings hereto annexed, Figure l is a perspective vview. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of my improved coupling, showing the same coupled to an ordinary pin-andlink draw -head. Fig. 3 is a top view; and Fig. 4 is a detail View.

Corresponding parts in the several figures are denoted by like letters of reference.

In the drawings, A represents the drawhead of my improved coupling, which is constructed in all essential particulars like the pin-an d-link draw-heads now universally used, with the single exception that, instead of being formed with perforations for the reception of the pin, it is provided with longitudinal slots B B Upon the upper side of the draw-head, near the front edge, are formed or secured eyes or boxes 0, for a transverse shaft, D, provided at one end with a crank-arm, E, connected by a chain, F, or in any other suitable manner, with a lever, G, pivoted to the side of the car, and through the medium of which the cars may be uncoupled.

The shaft D is provided with a transverse perforation, H, for the reception of the coupling-pin I, which is secured in place bymeans of a key, pin, or other suitable fastening, J. The coupling-pin isangular in shape, consisting of an arm, K, which in practice rests on top of the draw-head,and a'body, L, which passes through the slotsflin the sameand as- 5 0 sumes in couplinga vertical position.

By reference to the drawings hereto annexed, taken in connection with theforegoing description, the operationot my invention will V be readily understood.

When the link from the draw-head of the adjoining car enters myimproved draw-head the pin I is pushed back until the link has passed, when it-drops down, thus completing the coupling automatically and without assistance. In uncoupling the lever G is operated to raise the pin until the center of gravity is thrown forward of the shaft D, thus retaining it in an elevated position while the link is being withdrawn from the draw-head.

It will be observed that my improved coupling is capable of being used with cars having the ordinary pin and-link coupling without being changed or altered in any respect. It

will also be seen that by simply slotting the draw-heads now used with pin and link and providing them with bearings for the shaft D they may be provided with my improvement.

In the event of loss of or injury to, either the pin I or the shaft Gr, either part may be readily detached by removing the key or fastening J, and a new one substituted.

I am aware that a slotted draw-head having a transverse pivoted bar on the upper side thereof, provided with an angular locking-pin rigidly secured thereto, is common in carcouplings, and such I do not wish to be understood as claiming, broadly, as of myinvention.

Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire ,to secure by Letters Patent of the United States-- As an improvement in car-couplings, the combination of thelon gitudinall y-slotted drawhead A, having eyes or bearings O, shaft D,

having crank E, and detachable angular pin I, lever G, and chain F, or its equivalent, all arranged and operating substantially as and for the purpose herein shown and specified.

Intestimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses. I

JAMES E. SMITH.

Witnesses:

J. R. LITTELL, O. K. ALLEN. 

